2012 marks the 50^th anniversary of the film, To Kill a Mockingbird.  Based on the perennial high school curriculum book by Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird finally gets a much-deserved high definition upgrade on Blu-ray this week.

As part of Universal Studios’ ongoing 100^th Anniversary celebration featuring re-releases of their most notable films, To Kill a Mockingbird is available on DVD, in DVD/Blu-ray combo pack featuring a digital download copy, and in a limited edition special collector’s version which includes a book on the film’s production.  The Blu-ray disc is packed with over 3 hours of bonus materials on the adaptation and production of the film.

The 1962 adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer prize-winning novel features two children, Scout and Jem Finch, and their lawyer father, Atticus Finch.  Through their forward-thinking father the children learn about the racism and bigotry that infects their rural community.  When the sensational trial of falsely-accused rapist, Tom Robinson, becomes the talk of the town, Atticus finds himself vilified for trying to defend a black man against his white accuser.  Because their father’s strong beliefs go against the community's thinking, the children become a target for the townspeople’s hatred of Atticus’ beliefs.

Winner of three Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Gregory Peck, the film has found its way onto several of the American Film Institute’s (AFI) “best of” lists including earning the top “Hero” slot on the “100 Heroes and Villains” list for Atticus Finch.

There are several fantastic special features included in the Blu-ray edition.  One of the stand-out extras includes A Conversation with Gregory Peck, a feature-length documentary on the actor who answers audience members’s questions during a screening of the film, as well as follows the actor on outings with various family members.  Also included are Gregory Peck’s complete Best Actor Oscar acceptance speech, feature commentary with director Robert Mulligan and producer Alan Pakula, and a special promotional piece from Universal Studios which details the restoration of their classic films as part of their 100^th anniversary celebration.

To Kill a Mockingbird is a timeless classic that is a must-own for film and book-lovers alike.  Check out the special trailer below detailing the restoration of the new Blu-ray edition.